tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57928808801847368842018-08-28T12:10:47.929-05:00WALKINGIN
'MENCHIS'Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-26417774061853452552009-08-19T10:32:00.003-05:002009-08-19T11:11:26.322-05:00PatienceI am one of those moms that spout off things to my children that have been handed down from generation to generation. 'Clean hands are happy hands', 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all', and 'Because I am the mom, that's why' are just a few. Lately, I have been saying another one that is so easily rattled off--'Good things come to those who wait'. AHHH! I am done waiting. <div> Our family has been in a waiting pattern for a while now. Those of you who are aware of the particulars know what I mean. My tantrum is over and I am left to be thankful. It is so easy to get caught up in instant gratification in our world of texting, overnight delivery, and IM. We want what we want, WHEN we want it. Let me be clear, I don't think it's wrong to want things to have happen or own. What Chris and I have tried to instill in the kids is that sometimes you have to WAIT for it. Through this past year we have learned to be thankful through our waiting. We are thankful for a job, health, forgiveness, a home, family, children, marriage, and countless of other simple things. <div>I wish at this point I had this story all wrapped up in a package of a SOLD sign, but this entry is about patience. So, we wait and wait for the phone to ring and then the ball will roll towards Arizona and our extended families. Then we will wait again. We are getting good at this waiting game. The added bonus is getting good at being thankful for whatever comes our way. The kids, really Rose, are getting tired of this holding pattern that we are in right now. Their toys, clothes, activities are out of sight. Now is the time of character building. I hope that I can exude patience and thankfulness for her example, because I really shouldn't act or feel any other way.</div></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-6743678565814305652009-07-03T08:38:00.003-05:002009-07-03T08:42:05.926-05:00She's Nine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/Sk4KmQR_EfI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ViUljzyJr0U/s1600-h/P1000575.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/Sk4KmQR_EfI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ViUljzyJr0U/s200/P1000575.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354228659311809010" /></a><br />She started out as ‘the baby’ and quickly went through nicknames trying to capture all the facets of our little angel. Mwost Beautiful, Just Wittle, Sugar Bee, KK, Rosey Posey of the World, Rosey Toes, and many more that fell short of describing what she meant to so many.<br />Caitlyn has the distinction of the being the first grandchild on both sides of her family. From the moment we knew she was coming, many began to imagine all that she would be as we watched her wiggle in the womb. She arrived and the drama that is Caity began. She gave us all a scare and came out of it just fine. She arrived home and cried so much that I freaked out and immediately took her elsewhere to escape the tiny box of heat that was our apartment. I watched her day and night praying that she would be safe and happy all of her life. Hey, I was a hormonal mom and nothing was a good as her chest heaving sighs of contentment.<br />As the years went on Caity, I mean Rose, has had many more moments of dissatisfaction with her surroundings and events in her life. It wasn’t until just recently that I saw the change that has been happening right under my nose. She is not a little girl but a young lady.<br />She is just nine, so she is not immune to outbursts and fits of anger. It is while watching her play with her brother and sister that one can see her maturity emerging. She has taken on many new responsibilities on her own to prove that she is a big girl. I often come down the stairs to find her attempts of helping me out by cleaning, re-organizing, cooking, and ‘baby-sitting’.<br />The biggest change for her will happen this school year. Chris and I have decided that with our big move to Phoenix, we will re-enroll her in the public school system. She is ready. I am not. I am excited about this opportunity for many reasons, but I am going to miss her. I have really enjoyed hanging out with her this summer. The fights and screams of the past two years are fading from my mind and being replaced with laughing, talking, dreaming, and discovering of self.<br />I am reminded of the first day of kindergarten for her four years ago. She waved good-bye and confidently walked into her classroom. It wasn’t until I got home to the silence that I realized she was on to the next chapter in her life. I cried happy tears and a little bit of selfish mommy tears. She blossomed that year. I know she will this year too. I will miss her and will look forward to her vivacious chatter in the evenings. She is nine and growing up and I can’t stop it. I will just let her go and be there to catch her as she learns all of life’s bumps and bruises and love her as she experiences all the wonderful things about living her life.<br /><br /><div>Happy 9th birthday to Rose. AKA Rosey Toes<br /><br /></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-62998902002047115062009-06-19T11:50:00.009-05:002009-06-19T14:18:42.115-05:002009 RecitalHere is the dance recital for Caitlyn and Malena. They both did well and I am not biased one bit. Well, perhaps I am. Colin even got some face time as he ran up on stage twice before the show began. He began to shimmy and shake for all to see. Caity has become quite accustomed to dancing in front of others. She says she thinks she is ready to sing in front of others as well. Her talent and passion are growing daily. Malena is quickly becoming a lover of the arts. She recently followed the karaoke tradition in our family by singing Part of Your World by herself complete with hand gestures and emotion. I think that Colin will break this tradition and go for Winnie the Pooh. He will shush anyone who tries to sing it with him and will direct them where to sit if they begin to dance. <div> I have taken a big break on blogging and I look forward to venting, I mean sharing all the wonderful daily things as things get settled. The next big thing is Caity's ninth birthday. I will post pictures of her first friend party and her first cake she is making. More on things like that later. Happy summer to all of you!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzH46YnZnOk6ArNdBOkWDXwKRcEO2nOt1en3aitOmi4bhz2ZInjERJ74pnXcsxmgSLKKpDj5sDGLComI-pM_A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-31884493617239975812009-03-26T08:39:00.010-05:002009-03-26T11:04:45.535-05:00Snow Days<div>I can remember being incredibly excited to go and romp around in the snow at my grandparent's house whenever I had the opportunity. I would tag along with Jason and his friends proving my toughness and tenacity to the crew. I would freeze and complain, but wouldn't leave until someone or something made me go inside to thaw out just enough to come back out later. </div><div><br /></div><div>My children continue to surprise me with their likes and dislikes as they develop their leadership skills. Malena will not do anything that she doesn't feel like doing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caity</span> wants to be the first to experience anything that is new for bragging rights just as any typical first-born. Colin will do things on his terms and will go longer and play harder than the girls combined. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we woke up to Narnia, as Chris put it, I knew exactly how the early morning would go. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Caity</span> got up earlier than usual to be the first to walk and sing (singing is always involved) in the fresh blanket of white. Malena was up too, but wouldn't go out until I got dressed. Once Colin decided to obey and put on his winter attire, he went out and played until lunchtime. Not even once were all the kids outside playing together. They have built in playmates. I just don't get it; never will. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is an extremely edited version of the big snow in Memphis.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQjRwDuaC6o-8PAP4hRNg7Q3yWeZB1Z1dRnU7BMEGZnXcxrt-cEp-H3ObJiuQJPIHsU5HNzAdt_EozmEtNRw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-12857546877516824232009-03-17T08:58:00.002-05:002009-03-17T09:14:31.438-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/Sb-wHJuG9gI/AAAAAAAAAtk/JYX7eA3iw6c/s1600-h/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/Sb-wHJuG9gI/AAAAAAAAAtk/JYX7eA3iw6c/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314159722235360770" /></a><br />I live with Superman. He is on the other side of two feet, thick wavy hair, and chocolate brown eyes in the middle of lashes any grown woman would envy. His smile is wide and true. The soft baby skin is now bruised from his adventures. Chubby little hands grasp the crayon with his left hand, while pushing and evading the enemy who wants the paper to remain pristine with his right hand. He loves hard and plays even harder.<br /><br />The lucky few who live with Superman are in a long process of teaching him the way that nice little super heroes should behave. His hand signing is being replaced with new words daily, and we have the job to teach him what words are deemed appropriate. Whining gets him nowhere on most days, but his charming smile can draw down even the strongest armor.<br /><br />Even Superman needs a nap. He fights and charms but eventually tires out and slips into his dreams. I wonder what Superman dreams about when his legs twitch and lips curl. I know that I dream for him all the world has to offer, strength to handle what the world throws at him, and the wisdom to choose his battles.<br /><br />Sharing toys doesn’t come easy him. His toys are housed among princesses and pink. Frustrations arise when the princesses want to explore in his territory. It must be hard for Superman to live in princess paradise. It has it’s pros when the princesses play mommy and are at his beckon call.<br /><br />We teach Superman to love the Lord with all he has in him and walk in His ways. At least that is are aim in the coming years. He bows his head and genuflects on cue always with an accomplished smile at the end. He is quick to praise when a job well done is seen. He warns when food is hot and kisses booboos. It is hard when he realizes that kisses don’t solve everything and will gently ask, “You okay?”, and continue to pat and rub the victim.<br /><br />Superman has taught me about myself this year. I think of myself as a patient person. My voice raises more than I like and frustrations well inside when repeated polite requests are denied. I have learned the power and importance of alone time. His naps coincide with a story for the princesses and reading time for me. If I fall asleep, I am greeted with Superman’s hand on my face. I thank God for the gift of our son. Boys and girls are different, and it is the differences I love the most. Well, I could do without the three ER trips this year. I am sure that this year will be filled with new opportunities for growth and challenges. I will wake up thanking God for my little Superman. <div>Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man.<br /><br /></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-70840755004993894912009-02-27T13:08:00.002-06:002009-02-27T13:40:14.377-06:00A special hello<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxCJG13r7Rd_vwtNwcrtmgIQDLgO-zFiw-aeXSqNbjiN228aajhvSFgAxmj44vvCqR51H6wgrspIGgSFSOmjA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-44280694840635515692009-02-06T10:07:00.002-06:002009-02-06T10:24:40.578-06:00Malena's thoughtsI find myself cracking up at the antics of all my kids, but Malena has a gift of comedic timing. I am sure that when I retell her stories I don't do it justice. That won't stop me, so here are just a few things that Malena has shared with me this week.<div><br /></div><div><ul><li>I think that I want to marry Colin because he is smaller than Dadddy. I told her that wasn't possible. She assured me that she won't tell anyone. It is a secret.</li><li>It is disgusting when you kiss dad. Your lips look like frogs.</li><li>After I am big I want to go into your belly again, 'cause I like it in there.</li><li>When I came out of the shower I asked her what she was doing. Her reply: I just want to be here because I love you so much.<br /></li></ul>I am forgetting some I know. Maybe these are cute just because she is my child, but they brought me a smile. I hope they bring you a smile too. </div><div><br /></div><div>My blogging has been spotty because I am still trying to get Caity's blog up and going. Thank you to everyone who has checked out her blog and commented. </div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-31271050432919675422009-02-02T14:02:00.008-06:002009-02-02T16:51:36.497-06:00ABCs and 123sWe are getting close to Colin's birthday and I continue to be charmed by his 'all boy' approach to life. He rarely performs on camera, so this is a peak at Colin talking and singing. Yes, I realize he is climbing on the chair by the coffee pot that is turned on waiting be consumed. I chose to capture this moment and quickly guide him somewhere safer to play after the recording. I wish I could say that he complied and we went on with our day. Oh, I get excited at the thought of compliance from all three in one day. A girl can dream, and I do; frequently. I have come to feel comfort in the loving chaos of our home. My typing today is accompanied by the laughter, tears, screams, growls, singing, and meowing as the kids play. Oh sweet chaos!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-m1aMJKNbeLZcWnjQm_PP0ahi2SGFE2Fwaut7SoYJPw6WTIPj3OCNs7XtQApKbYiXMgkjME830u5sxqXZRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-75450531580048069892009-01-15T08:52:00.005-06:002009-01-15T09:02:49.228-06:00Mommy Makeover<div><br /></div><div>We had a few hours to kill one day and the result was two completely different makeovers. They always beg to brush my hair just as I am about to go somewhere, so I thought this would be fun. <br /></div><div><div><br /></div>MALENA'S TURN</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SW9PKYd6EUI/AAAAAAAAAsc/D6LOxva-CJ8/s1600-h/P1000097.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SW9PKYd6EUI/AAAAAAAAAsc/D6LOxva-CJ8/s200/P1000097.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291535126968799554" /></a><div>COLIN'S IMPROVEMENT<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SW9PKPz0qNI/AAAAAAAAAsU/VkKmXrO6vc4/s1600-h/P1000089.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SW9PKPz0qNI/AAAAAAAAAsU/VkKmXrO6vc4/s200/P1000089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291535124644800722" /></a></div><div>CAITLYN'S REVENGE</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SW9PKQ675VI/AAAAAAAAAsk/0oxBESjs-vo/s200/P1000098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291535124943070546" /><br /></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-12043244090144497602009-01-03T21:14:00.002-06:002009-01-03T21:32:44.178-06:00New Year, New FaceI am currently sitting down and exhausted. I absolutely loved this holiday season as much as possible when not seeing our extended families. It was season of introspection of our blessings. This time six years ago I was lost and hanging on to any familiarity that provided some degree of comfort. It was then that Chris and I took this Memphis adventure head on in the midst of my recovering from chemo treatments (that sounds worse than what it truly was) and the beginning of our marriage with our little Boo. My state of mind was just do enough to do what is expected and not too much so as to be in the way of anyone. I have lived my life like that. It has been my choice. Somewhere in my mind I have an annoying voice that says that I need to be everything to all people. It is a voice that I think I have hid behind most of my life. I have made choices based on the whispers of that part of myself. <div>The funny thing is, most of the choices that I have made while ignoring the what if questions, have turned out just fine. In most cases, ignoring has lead to exciting twists and turns that add a spark and warmness inside that let me know I am living. That I am not a robot executing expectations. This is the time of year for resolutions and I have obviously made mine if you read between the lines. I do this not just for me but for my children who deserve a mom who knows what it is to live for the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year</div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-55299092406882528322008-12-20T11:06:00.003-06:002008-12-20T11:18:31.884-06:00Caity's Christmas Story<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The Christmas Accident</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Close to Christmas, a beautiful Christmas fairy named Rose was born. When Rose turned four she realized that some states had no snow during Christmas. She thought that was terrible! She tried to find clues down on the ground. She never looked up in the sky, so she tried and figured out that it's not cold enough. She went back to her home in Coligh with her polar bear and found a spell. Then she went in the clouds and shouted, "Colswinter, holswinter!" That worked, but on Christmas Eve it was a blizzard. Rose thought it was wonderful, but the people did not like it. Rose knew how to undo the spell. She shouted the opposite, "Holswinter, colswinter!" It worked a second a time. Now Rose knows not to mess with snow.<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">THE END</span></span></div><div><br /></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-80058703674461275712008-12-19T10:14:00.004-06:002008-12-19T10:27:55.803-06:00Christmas Performance Number TwoHere is the dancing debut of Malena. The cutest part I did not even get on camera. Before the teacher began Malena made an announcement that her best friend Madison was not there because she had another performance. She then informed everyone that just two would be dancing that night. She showed all the confidence in world in front of the mini crowd. Where did this girl come from? <div><br /></div><div>And here it is....</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyV67WCYceSG00uHr5k09zxKhgvOoa6pFsqIXyPJRraI3M8zFsfK6amufoZbQwXLo0DqVWt2l5txjEDhpkjhw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-6051651478933783372008-12-17T10:38:00.004-06:002008-12-17T10:51:38.992-06:00Christmas Performance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SUksV7VJRhI/AAAAAAAAArQ/gmWXIJX11n4/s1600-h/DSC03071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SUksV7VJRhI/AAAAAAAAArQ/gmWXIJX11n4/s320/DSC03071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280800793283872274" /></a><br />Caitlyn is in her second year of dance and loving it. Her dance teacher says that I gave birth to her mini me. I am just thrilled that we have found a teacher that appreciates her enthusiasm for life and allows her to express herself. During December, the studio has an observation day where all the parents can see what they have learned. They also perform one of many short routines they work on in the first semester. This year, they did it to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Loverly </span>from My Fair Lady. Caity was all about embracing the character of the dance and wanted to go all out. When she arrived she found that her friends did not share the enthusiasm and quickly removed the make-up and tattered shirt that she was perfecting all day. Oh well, at least I got a picture of it. <div><br /></div><div>Without further ado...</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyT5oIVwV6Oo-F6dXPPFnKpoABnfqb5fmrBHd1aUflUfwj2R0A9_UaB8BeStWPGdfIu8HyvIS2al6KcfdnFmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' /><div><br /></div><div>This Thursday is Malena's turn, stay tuned!</div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-21853350662886785192008-12-12T08:13:00.005-06:002008-12-12T08:36:25.801-06:00Ha! Tricked you!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SUJ1tEV2I2I/AAAAAAAAArI/8LVudIpKf5M/s1600-h/IMG_0066_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SUJ1tEV2I2I/AAAAAAAAArI/8LVudIpKf5M/s400/IMG_0066_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278911130351575906" /></a><br />The sweet innocence of Malena is being replaced by her growing 'little/big sister' personality which is always looking for a laugh to repay her antics. The latest one involves the Tooth Fairy tradition. Malena has a rubber ring that has lost a petal. I saw it on the ground and thought that it was a tooth. That gave her the idea to trick the fairy into thinking that it is indeed an actual tooth. Malena has put the petal under her pillow to wait for the fairy to place a few coins in it's place for a few nights. Since the Tooth Fairy has missed our house before (OOPS) and taken a few days to get their money, she has not given up her hope that she can cash out on this rubber petal. I was guiding Malena to the decision to not trick the fairy, but she thinks it is hysterical that the Fairy will leave the house with just a rubber petal. It is dark after all. She doesn't care about the money which is comforting. She just gets a kick out of tricking people, and wants to big just like Caity who has already gotten several visits from the Tooth Fairy. Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-84934013907880627962008-12-10T10:01:00.004-06:002008-12-10T10:26:20.637-06:00Shhh, The Secret Is OutThe big Christmas secret has been revealed to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caitlyn</span>. Apparently that is later than most, but that doesn't make truth go down any smoother. There were tears and question after question as I sat down holding her at the kitchen table easing her into this new chapter of her life. The next day it was as if a switch had been flipped that shot her forward into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teendom</span>. She had her first sleepover, asked for more chores, and tithed to the church on her own. <div>I discovered an hour worth of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Caity</span> episodes on the camera that I condensed to give you a taste of last year. Even her voice sounds older now. She is coming into her own and I watch with a touch of bitter- sweetness in my heart. Mostly sweetness and excitement for the years to come and continued growth--- though no rush!</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMe2-_pxvwEFi2e-kRzsoqjwyJmp_XK5igPIxsLIPbsZq3Nez05ADQ6b8WGrMRYyV-V8S2f9fz-MVWANS5PQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-74195993451333506452008-12-01T20:58:00.005-06:002008-12-01T21:37:04.902-06:00Ahh, peace and quiet.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/STSryunyVgI/AAAAAAAAArA/nQeLw9q3o6E/s200/DSC02986.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275029951554409986" /><br /><br />As sad as we were to not be going home for Thanksgiving, it was nice to have a low-key holiday. We were fortunate enough to have Dad home with us for four days. The kids (and myself) loved every minute of it. All four played and played while I watched being incredibly thankful for all things in my life and for the bonding moments encased in the kids' memory boxes from this rare moment to breathe.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/STSryH1oAHI/AAAAAAAAAq4/CAswIlRWdrs/s200/DSC02974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275029941143470194" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/STSrxx9zgEI/AAAAAAAAAqw/JjHodpMXxYk/s200/DSC02961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275029935272198210" /><div><br /></div><div> I made my first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Thanksgiving</span> meal. I was pleased with how it turned out. Thanks goes to all of the wonderful cooks I have gotten to watch throughout my life. <div><br /></div><div>The rest of the holiday was spent chilling and re-decorating the girls' room. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Caity</span> has been asking for some more space for quite a while, and we tried to supply that for her. The kitchen table is not as conducive to school work as it was last year, so a change was needed. The color of the moment is AQUA. Aqua clothes, hair things, notebooks, and now her room. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was sad to see the pink and green stripes with butterfly accents go that were a labor of love when we first knew Malena was coming into our lives. It is absolutely crazy how you can become attached to paint. That is one reason why Colin sleeps among rainbows, clouds and white picket fences as that is the first 'home improvement' project I did here. Ah, memories.</div><div><br /></div><div>The room won't be complete until we pick-up and assemble the new bunk bed tomorrow night. As <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Caity</span> says goodbye to pink, Malena is expressing herself through black. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hmmm</span>, I haven't figured out how to incorporate that yet. Good thing she is only four and her likes are fleeting. Otherwise, they could have ended up with bright yellow and orange in the room. </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't shopped at all and am having trouble getting amped up to go searching for 'that' gift. I like the pace that I am keeping right now. The chauffeur part of my job starts up again tomorrow and holiday extravaganzas beckon, but right now I am enjoying peace in our little Aqua heaven. </div></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-91026332128335624652008-11-14T00:13:00.002-06:002008-11-14T00:40:40.178-06:00Stitches and Cell PhonesWhat a day! I went to grab my usual cup of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">coffee</span> and found myself in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pleasant</span> conversation with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Caitlyn</span>. I went to check on the too quiet pair of Malena and Colin. I saw Colin standing up on the bench and encouraged him down from his post. It was then that he gave a whimper that alerted me to the gash in his finger. (It was from a broken window that is to be fixed on Monday.) Having had an eventful past week I used my newly acquired knowledge about lacerations and promptly put pressure on the wound. I sat for about 30 minutes where I found myself questioning my motherhood instincts and called the triage nurse. She did her best to assure me that all was well, but if I really wanted our doctor to see him that she would make an appointment. <div><br /></div><div>We got there and he was lifeless. For those of you who know him, you understand how this was abnormal. I knew he had to be in pain, but he was so strong and only whined a little bit. The doctor sent us to the emergency room and warned me that this would not be a pleasant experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have awesome neighbors who happened to be home, so I took advantage of this and sent the girls over to play while I went back to the place Colin was born to fix the damage. Long story short, he needed three big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">stitches</span> on his tiny finger. These days we think of him as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">a 'big</span> boy'. Today was a knock in the head as to how young he still is. He was so good. That is putting it mildly as he charmed the ER. The doctor and all the nurses commented on how quiet he was being. They thought that he must be a quiet little boy. HA!!!! No, he was just in pain. He sang his ABC's and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Itsy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bitsy</span> Spider while we were waiting. I hate that this happened, but I also will cherish those few hours of being able to have him to myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>He came home and slept for three hours. During his long nap, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Caity</span> took the opportunity of my sitting down to spill the beans on her whole life. She started in Kindergarten and worked her way up to Third grade. Whew! The gist I got was that she likes herself and that she is a bit odd. She loves all her family. Arizona is her real home. She likes homeschooling. (That was nice surprise.) She wants a cell phone. A WHAT? Apparently, other phones have germs. She needs her privacy, and they are just cool. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a full day, and now I am off to bed for some sleep before another eventful day. I hope not as eventful as today.</div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-55660881682148041762008-10-29T14:46:00.004-05:002008-10-29T15:01:17.214-05:00Caity's Halloween Story<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Caity</span> has been doing quick stories to get some practice with stories in written form. Many of you know that Cate's oral stories go on and on, so it has been a challenge for her. <div>She was given five words that she had to use in a short story with a twenty minute time allowance. Ghost, house, rain, lightning, and chains were the words and the following story is what she wrote.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">It was a lightning and a ghost night in fact. There was a house. In the house there was a boy named Max and he was afraid of ghosts. Max believed that ghosts don't like chains, so he put chains all over his room. His parents were worried about Max. The mom had an idea. Since it rained yesterday too, let's read a story about ghosts. Max started to get more chains. After he heard that ghosts were nice he started to like ghosts. <br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>THE END</div><div><br /></div><div>We all wish you a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</div></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-91825699169623327122008-10-25T07:48:00.003-05:002008-10-25T08:39:26.740-05:00Fabulous Fall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SQMYp4kyCfI/AAAAAAAAAqo/Za2OVH7iEeo/s1600-h/DSC02953.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SQMYp4kyCfI/AAAAAAAAAqo/Za2OVH7iEeo/s320/DSC02953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261075897539234290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SQMYp7EKyPI/AAAAAAAAAqg/_M-E6Q2mnJ8/s1600-h/DSC02952.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SQMYp7EKyPI/AAAAAAAAAqg/_M-E6Q2mnJ8/s320/DSC02952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261075898207750386" /></a>Chris and I made an unconscious decision to embrace all that fall has to offer for us. We have lived here in Memphis for six years and never joined in any of the fall traditions. Maybe it is because we are constantly reminded that Boo is getting older and wanting to savor every bit of her young childhood she has left, or it could be as simple as not being pregnant or breastfeeding for the first time in the last eight years that we feel the call to join in with the other crazy families in the community events. <div>So far this year, we have enjoyed museums, corn mazes, parks, inviting more people into our home, reaching out and connecting with other young families, and last night going to the zoo for some good wholesome Halloween fun. </div><div>Perhaps I am making too big of a deal out of these simple experiences, but on this Saturday morning I am watching three of the most wonderful kids sit down TOGETHER to watch James and the Giant Peach while laughing and joking with one another and I am overwhelmed. How did this happen? OK, I know HOW, but it has hit me that our family is complete. </div><div> In the past, I would be sitting here wondering what we would be like with just one more baby and day dreaming about a bigger home, nicer things, or just a different set of circumstances altogether. I sat down for the first time and was just grateful. </div><div>This feeling comes after one of the worst weeks as far as parenting goes. Colin is my greatest challenge and I am still learning the balancing act of mom, teacher, counselor, playmate, wife, volunteer, homemaker and friend. I failed horribly this week. I was not the mom or any of my given roles that I want to be. I don't have a success story of how I have gotten out of this 'Mom Funk' I am going through this month. I just have a content and hopeful heart that next week will be better. Either that or it's the two cups of coffee I have downed this morning talking.</div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-81819043546811381742008-10-18T10:31:00.003-05:002008-10-18T11:54:56.033-05:00Busy Bees<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SPoHKUtq6UI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/8mUyPhMCNSw/s1600-h/DSC02865.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SPoHKUtq6UI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/8mUyPhMCNSw/s320/DSC02865.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258523388848826690" /></a>SLIDESHOW AT BOTTOM OF PAGE!!!!!!!! <div><br /> We have settled back into our routines. Colin is nearing 19 months and will soon be baptized in November. His vocabulary increases with each grow-up moment he experiences. He can now scale the security gates and jump off of high places. His latest saying is, "Oh Man!'' This usually follows a scolding to not do the before mentioned new skills. He is full of life and continues to bring us all much joy. His sisters <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">like</span> him most of the time and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> him all of the time.<div><br /></div><div> Malena started dance and is loving it immensely. She especially likes that she gets to use scarves and wands as she prances around to popular tunes like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. The end of class they do a bit of hip hop. Trust me, it is the highlight of the class. Malena's favorite activity is whatever Caity is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">doing</span> and whatever Caity <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">does no</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">t</span> want her to do. I guess they are typical sisters. They are starting to seek out time apart which is nice for everyone. The drama stops for a few minutes and we all take a deep breath.</div><div> </div><div>Caity has started her second quarter in school and decided that she likes history the best with all of the 'real-life adventures'. She also gives her opinion on people in our history that she does not approve of their actions. I don't have the heart to tell her that her new invention is cinnamon toast. It is her way of making dessert for everyone. She does make it a bit more complex with mixing the ingredients. Her mind is full of ways that she can serve and spread love; a quality that Chris and I benefit from on a daily basis.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recently went for a job and have come to the conclusion that it was not to be (for now). After a week like last, I am sure that it is for the better. All in His time, right?</div><div><br /></div></div>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-29635551721742634642008-09-29T18:48:00.005-05:002008-09-29T19:07:30.471-05:00The Great And The Not So GreatWe pulled off the big surprise, and it was fantastic seeing all the family again. We celebrated birthdays with family, had swim lessons, and saw beautiful Show Low with its carpet of flowers, saw Jason's team play, Natalie's band, "Pumped" our bodies, said good-bye to gray and hello to blonde, climbed Camelback, debated, picked veggies and berries from the garden, and so much more. The big surprise came when we got home. We opened the door to an 'off' sort of smell. I thought it was just our cats letting us know their displeasure of being left alone for that long. Turns out it was a leak in our bathroom. We now have a nice hole in our living room ceiling. Our Cable box quit on us and my car has a flat. Vacation was nice and now reality has greeted us and I am ready to go back to Arizona. All of these inconveniences will soon be fixed and forgotten, but the memories that we (kids especially) made will stay in our minds forever. I had planned on posting pictures and reminiscing, but the real world is beckoning me to snap to it and take care of things. To those that we saw, thank you for the laughs, love, and priceless memories. I'll post pictures soon.Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-8777929438448740612008-09-19T08:46:00.000-05:002008-09-11T09:07:12.634-05:00Four Years and Full of Grace<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SMkk1SKRK4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/--IuQNuYkZk/s320/DSC02824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244763738876226434" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Malena Quotes:<br /><br />God ‘decorated’ us.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">He is my kisser.</span> (Talking about boyfriends during playtime.)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Mom, get me out of babyland</span>. (Said while Colin was tackling her.)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">It’s time to brush the kid’s hair.</span> (Translation: please brush my hair.)<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Stop it mom, you aren’t real!</span> (Apparently, my English accent while reading Angelina Ballerina leaves much to be desired.)<br /><br />Each day she brings laughter and joy into our home. As she turns four, Chris and I continue to be amazed with her ability to defuse any situation with her charm. Her days are spent doing playschool, coloring, making up stories, singing, dancing, and acting. The latter is a new skill she spends her time perfecting. She will be so angry, sad, scared, or some other dramatic emotion. I will go investigate and she will turn around with a huge smile and laugh, “I’m just acting mom. Don’t worry.”<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SMkk1NEjVYI/AAAAAAAAAfg/Y1PNpj-1Bz4/s320/DSC02817.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244763737510073730" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SMkk1SKRK4I/AAAAAAAAAfo/--IuQNuYkZk/s1600-h/DSC02824.JPG"><br />She desires to be just like her big sis until that same big sister imposes her will upon her. Then she will turn stubborn and refuse to do anything that Caity desires. She wants to play with Colin until she realizes that he is just about as strong as her. They are the best of playmates and the worst of playmates.<br /><br />Being stuck in the middle of the craziness can’t be easy. Not big enough for some activities and too big for others. I worry about her place in the family sometimes, but her middle name is Grace. That couldn’t be more fitting for how our half pint of love, joy, and laughter handles life.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Gracie-Face!</a>Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-64795076840842823122008-09-04T20:18:00.003-05:002008-09-04T20:40:46.297-05:00Just oneI have just showered after putting Colin down for the night and I don't expect my other loved ones home for a while. Chris, the king of surprises, took the girls to a show for a Daddy date night and I was stuck here with Little Man. Being stuck meant that we could go on a solo walk, play cars without a story line, sing little kid songs, bath time, and enter bed with a song or three. I must confess that bath time is usually just a quick stop on the way to bed, and I was amazed at the way Colin could entertain himself with the simplest of toys. I will spare you the long list of Colin's evening entertainment and sum it by saying that his face right before bed says it all. I hope I get stuck again soon.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d-8dC4Z3QJ4/SMCNloEJZvI/AAAAAAAAAfY/Vp0MQgQ4eBU/s400/DSC02819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242345643808745202" />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-83984925104735720412008-08-25T08:38:00.004-05:002008-08-25T08:51:36.833-05:00Introducing RoseCaity or ROSE as she now wants to be called is getting so big. Self expression is her highest priority, so she will have her own place on this blog to do just that. She takes pictures all of the time and wants to share them with everyone. The slide show will periodically change, so keep checking. In the future be aware that all photos she takes will have a good chance of making it on the blog. Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792880880184736884.post-34454973177795812512008-08-10T21:49:00.006-05:002008-08-10T22:57:12.266-05:00He's a Boy!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We have begun the journey of a little man. He now owns cars and action figures. They look just like the little dolls that the girls have spent hours creating their own versions of reality. Apparently there is a clear difference between the two. Seriously, I am having a bitter sweet day watching Colin get his first batch of "BOY" toys. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It all started when the girls asked to go look at toys and I wandered down the boy aisle in an attempt to veer our way around the crowd by the Barbies. Colin got so excited when he saw the cars, so I picked one up that made revving noises. He voiced his approval and that was how we all came to the realization that the princes of the Disney Princesses would not be enough to keep him occupied. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We went to dinner at a friend's house where a boy lives, and Colin was quite at home among the cars and other boy stuff. I keep saying boy, because I now am a mom of a little boy. My baby is quickly being knocked away with each tackle he takes from his dad. I don't remember a distinct moment that the girls stopped being babies. That could be because the dolls they had just got smaller and more sophisticated. There was never a swapping moment for their toys. In fact, they still like some of the same little girls toys. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We went to Toyland, as Malena calls it. The girls and I went our usual route and Chris and Colin left for some male bonding moments. When we all met up, Colin was oohing and clapping at what he had in his hand. He was such a happy little boy. He is not a baby anymore. He is our little boy. Our Little Man.</span></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy6vNU4m1IpB-YeEZyBgHPRUwSbxH6KNyWjHtPJb59qZQ4ld4uMJbiwBP8ghXnomCL0-X0XV3Hiz6XhbcgTRA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0' />Walking in 'Menchis'http://www.blogger.com/profile/17328943528108730336noreply@blogger.com1